About Top Shelf Photo

Welcome to professional photography at affordable prices!

Servicing the San Diego and southern California area, Top Shelf Photo offers a wide range of photographic services: weddings, engagements, outdoor and studio portraits. You name it, we would love to photograph it! We understand that there are endless options of photography companies and services and we appreciate you checking us out. We strive to create a casual, fun experience that will result in lasting memories.

Background

My name is Shaun Hagen, and I have lived in north San Diego County for most of my life. During the past decade I have taken my camera with me wherever I could. I have traveled throughout Asia, Europe and the United States. To be out in the world, camera in hand; there's nothing better.

For the past few years I have focused the camera more on people. I quickly went from photographing landscapes to photographing babies, couples and weddings. In May of 2011, I was fortunate enough to travel to Paris for my honeymoon, as well as photograph a friend's wedding. It was truly an opportunity of a lifetime.

Education

I graduated from San Diego State University in 2006 with a B.A. degree in Graphic Design. Over the past decade I have taken many photography classes ranging from black & white, color film, classic darkroom methods, and more recently, a variety of digital classes.

Philosophy

I try to approach photography in a very casual manner. I like to capture scenes as naturally as possible. I'm not a big fan of putting people in scenes that look forced and unnatural. I want to showcase the people, the environment, and the emotions of the occasion while interfering as little as possible.

I believe in building relationships with my clients; especially for weddings. I don't like to just show up, shoot some photos and leave. I want everyone involved to be familiar and comfortable with each other, so together we can come up with the best experience and quality photos as possible.

Shaun is absolutely the BEST!! My fiancé and I are NOT comfortable in front of the camera and Shaun takes all of the stress out of it. Somehow he catches all of the magical moments in between where a couple is natural. He shot me asking josh to marry me at Balboa Park and also our engagement pictures at the beach. I’m am SO happy with all the pictures & can’t wait to see what comes for the wedding! THANK YOU SHAUN!!!

Katie Roemer · Married on 11/17/2018

5.0

Quality of service:

5.0

Responsiveness:

5.0

Value:

5.0

Flexibility:

5.0

Professionalism:

5.0

Perfectly captured our special day

We loved working with Shaun. I was so lucky to have met him at a bridal expo at my venue, Bella Collina, where he had previously worked. Not only is he an incredible photographer, but he knew our venue inside and out. Over the last year, I followed Bella Collina on instagram, and I was always able to tell when they were featuring one of Shaun's photos. He has an amazing ability to find the light, and his pictures are that much more special. He is so easy going and easy to work with, he isn't pushy at all. He just kind of lets you be with little direction, and is able to capture all of the amazing moments. He is also incredibly responsive, I barely hit send on an email or a text, and I've already heard back from him. I cannot recommend him enough!

R

Rosanne · Married on 09/15/2018

5.0

Quality of service:

5.0

Responsiveness:

5.0

Value:

5.0

Flexibility:

5.0

Professionalism:

5.0

First things first: Book Shaun for your wedding NOW.

Next, some amazing things about working with Shaun and his team: All of his photos are amazing and everyone (including us) gushes over them. He delivered preview shots within a week and his turnaround time on the full set of photos was unbelievable; I was bunkering down to wait for them for at least a few months, at least. My partner and I believe we are not very photogenic people, but Shaun takes all your bad posture and crinkly laugh faces, and works magic with you and the camera. While doing my research, I had many photographers try to upsell me on everything under the sun, such add on photoshoots (no thanks; we are out of towners and had an engagement shoot done already); crazy amounts of prints (didn't own a house yet; what size print would I even want right now?). Shaun was different - he was no frills because he knows he's the best. (If he doesn't know that, he should.)

Lastly, thank you for being our photographer through our whole wedding day, Shaun! Your experience shooting weddings is very clear. We appreciated your advice that went well above and beyond how to stand in photos. Our day would not have been as great as it was without you and your team, and your work will help us remember it whenever we feel sentimental (which, right now, is still every day).